Most serums here lean on niacinamide, which manages oil and tone. This one takes a different route: Silver Chitoderm® - found only in 47 Skin products, on this list and anywhere else - kills 99.9% of blemish-causing bacteria, so it treats the cause, then fades the marks spots leave and keeps skin hydrated, all in one step. In a study of 9,346 customers, 92% saw fewer spots and 90% saw scars healing.

The most-searched serum of the bunch, and deservedly popular. At £7 it's an easy first step into actives, and the niacinamide-and-zinc pairing does a real job of calming shine and the look of congestion. Just know what niacinamide is built for, oil and tone, rather than killing the bacteria behind breakouts or fading the marks they leave.

One of the most trusted names in problem-skin skincare. Its blend of exfoliating acids and LHA refines texture and helps keep breakouts at bay, all on the brand's well-tolerated thermal-water base. A reliable, gentle clearing serum, though it leans toward prevention and texture more than fading existing marks.

A pretty, naturally-derived salicylic serum with grape-based actives and a lovely sensory feel. It's effective at clearing congestion and tightening the look of pores. As a single-purpose clearing serum it's a strong choice, it's just not designed to fade marks once spots have gone.

Affordable and barrier-friendly, with salicylic acid to clear and ceramides plus niacinamide to keep skin comfortable. A great everyday option that won't strip the skin. Like most single-action gels here, it focuses on clearing breakouts rather than fading the marks.

A booster that's excellent at the look of enlarged pores and uneven tone. The high niacinamide dose is well formulated and evens skin over time. But like niacinamide generally, it refines rather than clears, it won't tackle breakout bacteria or fade existing marks, so it complements a clearing routine rather than replacing one.